Santa Rosa County residents will be able to give their input next month on impending changes for two county ordinances, one aimed at increasing the local option gas tax and one at equalizing hours of alcohol sale between Navarre and Navarre Beach.

The county commission approved Thursday scheduling separate public hearings for a proposed fuel tax increase and an update to the Navarre alcohol policy, which will be advertised as required and scheduled for the first set of September board meetings.

Standardizing the alcohol ordinance, which has been in place for more than a decade, was brought before the board Monday by Commissioner Rob Williamson, who said the inconsistencies between the mainland and the beach create an unfair economic advantage and hinder new business development.

Alcohol sales are currently allowed on Navarre Beach every day from 7 to 2:30 a.m., and on the mainland from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and noon to midnight on Sundays.

Bob Hartley, president of the Navarre Area Board of Realtors, read a statement from the board fully supporting a “fair and equitable” policy for alcohol sales in south Santa Rosa County.

“Establishments on Navarre Beach enjoy far less restrictive licensing laws than their commercial counterparts on the mainland,” Hartley said. “This inequity leads to an unfair trade advantage, and it’s not conducive to the business-friendly environment Santa Rosa County strives to create.”

Separately, the county commission has been considering for months increasing its local option gas tax to generate additional revenue for transportation projects, with about $9.8 million in major road resurfacing expenses expected in the next five years.

The gas tax is at 6 cents per gallon and can be raised to a maximum of 12 cents per gallon, though the county could choose to levy less than the amount available.

Gas taxes are at 11 cents in Escambia County, 12 cents in Okaloosa County and 7 cents in Walton County.

At a budget workshop this week, some commissioners noted an increase likely would not impact drivers as much as it would businesses selling fuel, since gas prices are market-driven and are typically comparable in Santa Rosa County and neighboring counties.

A 1 cent gas tax increase would yield an estimated $560,000 annually if implemented Jan. 1, according to County Administrator Hunter Walker, and a 5 cent increase would bring in about $2.8 million each year.

The board also approved Thursday an event agreement for use of the county-owned Navarre Beach Marine Park Sept. 25 and 26 for Country on the Sound, a music festival featuring country stars Trace Adkins and Big & Rich.